How this brave band of wild horses defied the odds and outsmarted the helicopters

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

We understand hearing about the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) helicopter roundups and seeing photos of the mistreatment our wild herds face can be emotionally taxing. So today, we’d like to tell you a story of resilience, bravery, and determination displayed by a courageous band of wild horses who defied the odds and outsmarted the helicopters.

Photo by Nenah Demunster for AWHC

Last week, AWHC deployed humane observers to document the BLM’s roundup in Oregon’s Palomino Butte Herd Management Area (HMA). The agency had planned to capture 225 wild horses and permanently remove 200 of these majestic animals from their homes. By the conclusion of the operation, the BLM rounded up 192 wild horses, and none were returned to the range. But during the roundup, one of our observers witnessed a captivating scene.

Amidst the chaos of the roundup, she spotted a band of six horses who were running in the opposite direction of the BLM helicopter that was chasing them. As the pilot engaged and attempted to push them towards the trap site, the horses abruptly turned around. It was not a matter of fatigue or unwillingness to move, but rather a display of an uncanny understanding of the danger they were in and a wilful determination to stay wild. In fact, they boldly challenged the helicopter, even attempting to push through it on several occasions!

Rather than sprinting, the horses employed an artful strategy to conserve their energy during the sweltering summer heat. They would intermittently halt, execute sharp turns, and break away in any direction except towards the trap. This intense standoff persisted for a grueling 30 minutes, but for the time being, the pilot would not give up.

The helicopter began maneuvering the horses closer to the trape site by flying low, urging them forward. For at least five minutes, the pilot hovered closely above them, creating a whirlwind of dust that obscured our observer’s view.

Photo by Nenah Demunster for AWHC

For a moment, it appeared that the pilot was on the verge of victory. But in a final move of clever defiance, the horses swiftly turned around away from the trap site. The pilot finally withdrew and began to search for horses elsewhere in the HMA, conceding defeat to this brave band of wild horses, while the victorious mustangs took to the hills in triumph.

Meredith, stories like these are a reminder of the strength, intellect, and perseverance of these incredible wild beings. But perhaps more importantly, they are a reminder of the deep rooted desire for freedom and family present in every wild horse. That is why we’re fighting every day to end cruel helicopter roundups and keep our wild herds in the wild – where they belong.

From deploying observers to the remote corners of the West where these roundups take place, to expanding our digital and TV ad campaigns to raise awareness about the plight of wild horses, your support is vital to ensuring we can keep up this fight. If you can, will you make a contribution today and help us continue this critical work to preserve the freedom and wellbeing of America’s wild horses?

Thank you.

American Wild Horse Campaign